Alice Perrers, mistress of King Edward III, was buried in the church or churchyard in 1400.

She had three illegitimate children by the king, and later lived and died in the manor of Gaynes in Upminster.

The tower of St Laurence's was instrumental in the first accurate measurement of the speed of sound by Rev William Derham, who was also buried in the church or churchyard and who also, by his own wish, has no memorial.

The tower dates from this period, and is rubble-walled, with buttresses at the foot, and a leaded and shingled spire, typical of Essex.

Further rebuilding took place in 1928, when the original chancel became part of the nave, and the new choir and sanctuary were built, by Sir Charles Nicholson.